Let's look at security needs before budgeting for new school buildings

Seeing the recent article regarding the Springfield school district asking for new monies for construction and renovation ("SPS maps out plan to help ease crunch," Jan. 9), it made me wonder if we should wait until we see how much new security measures are going to cost.

With everything that has happened in Newtown, Conn., a part of our response will be to tighten school security. This will range from some schools needing to change locks to new construction at those schools that do not have their office close enough to the entrance to effectively monitor who comes in, much less screen a locked door and buzz in visitors.

Shouldn't we look at this cost before addressing new construction?

We need to provide a safe environment in our schools for the students and staff. Some changes to make them safer would not be costly but are philosophical.

We tolerate way too much disrespect and disruptive behaviors in the classroom because there isn't enough support or good options. In addition to new building security, there needs to be better alternatives for students with disruptive behaviors.

Alternative placement programs are good but limited. They need more support and need to be expanded.

Currently, if students get removed from an alternative program due to inappropriate actions, they often return right back to their home school. That's wrong.

Additionally, communication between schools and the juvenile system needs to be better. Too many times these two agencies view each other with suspicion and don't share important information. They should be working together to help kids.

Schools are great institutions filled with caring staff. A few changes, however, would help improve the safety of all involved.

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Let's look at security needs before budgeting for new school buildings

Scott Martin Springfield Seeing the recent article regarding the Springfield school district asking for new monies for construction and renovation ('SPS maps out plan to help ease crunch,' Jan.